Guide to the Best Suburbs of Atlanta

There has been an unprecedented rush to spread out and settle in over the past year, but there are still perks to being near a big city, such as the food, the entertainment, and the airport access! Suburban life outside of Atlanta offers the best of both worlds. Atlanta, Georgia, suburbs are some of the most coveted in the country, with beautiful neighborhoods shaded by century-old trees, paved sidewalks, and nature trails. 

If you’re considering making the move from Midtown to Marietta, we’ll help you find the right Atlanta, Georgia, suburb for you so you’ll feel at home just outside the hustle and bustle of downtown: 

1. Brookhaven

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution touts Brookhaven as the best suburb of Atlanta and is definitely one you should consider when relocating to Atlanta. The reasons? Well, the DeKalb County town boasts 18 parks in its only 12 square-mile area, a wide variety of chef-driven, locally owned restaurants, and incredible walkability. Plus, 40% of its residents are millennials, which contributes to an up-and-coming atmosphere that’s tough to beat.

What to do in Brookhaven

• Peruse one of the area’s many art galleries
• Have a lakeside picnic at Murphey Candler Park
• Get a massage at one of the local spas
• Enjoy brunch on the patio at Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub

What makes Brookhaven unique

The ease of walking to new and exciting restaurants and shops stands out in Brookhaven, and the young vibe and friendly atmosphere make it all the more enticing. 

Median rent: $1,350/month

2. Johns Creek

The sweet smell of perfectly paved roads paired with garden roses will greet you in this Atlanta suburb. Johns Creek is where convenience and safety are paramount, and everyone is welcome. What it lacks in big-city attractions, it makes up for in small-town pride and countless festivals. Additionally, the area is culturally diverse and makes every effort to highlight this through plenty of international fairs. 

What to do in Johns Creek 

• Go wine tasting or beer tasting at the city’s many wineries and breweries
• Fish along the Chattahoochee River
• Explore the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center 
• Golf at the Atlanta Athletic Center or one of the many other golf courses in the area

What makes Johns Creek unique

Of its numerous festivals, the Founder’s Day Parade and Johns Creek Art Festival stand out as some of Johns Creek’s most unique. Come to the town for the events, and stay for the hospitality in this city suburb.

Median rent: $1,538/month

3. Alpharetta

Safe communities and picturesque scenery are often the characteristics that draw people to the suburbs. Alpharetta has both—and more! The popular Atlanta suburb has something for everyone: There are great schools and plenty of play areas for families with children, and local breweries and trendy restaurants for young professionals. 

What to do in Alpharetta

• Shop at the Avalon, an outdoor mall featuring popular stores 
• Head to the historic downtown for date night at one of the many delicious eateries 
• Skate the winter ice rink
• Browse galleries of unique local art

What makes Alpharetta unique 

Alpharetta is easy to get in and out of with its prime access to the highway. It contains some of the best schools in Georgia and has beautiful stately architecture. If you can get past the high cost of living in the area, it’s a wonderful destination to work, live and raise a family.   

Median rent: $1,375/month

4. Decatur

Decatur is the cream of the crop when it comes to Atlanta, Georgia, suburbs. It has affordable housing for Atlanta residents and is ranked No. 1 on “The Best Places to Live in Georgia” by Niche (it’s easy to see why!). With easy access to all Atlanta has to offer, as well as many attractions of its own, Decatur is a great place to call home. While most Decatur residents are homeowners, rent is more affordable than other nice suburbs of Atlanta, and there are plenty of beautifully furnished apartments available. 

What to do in Decatur

• Find a new read at Little Shop of Stories
• Enjoy the area’s annual beer festival
• Visit the Native Botanical Gardens at Georgia State University Perimeter College
• Drive 15 minutes to Mercedes Benz stadium, the Atlanta Zoo, or Six Flags over Georgia

What Makes Decatur unique

The hip downtown streets of Decatur are easily walkable and lined with world-class restaurants that will make your mouth water and cute boutiques that will make your wallet lighter. If that doesn’t make the city feel young and fresh, the presence of Agnes Scott College does. 

Median rent: $927/month

5. Sandy Springs

If we were to cast the perfect name for a suburb in a television series, Sandy Springs would be it. This Atlanta suburb has more than just an enticing moniker, though. The town is just a short drive from downtown Atlanta and features beautiful parks to walk through, plenty of shops to peruse, and superb public schools. While affordable real estate may be tough to come by in this desirable part of town, there are numerous stunning apartments available to rent.   

What to do in Sandy Springs 

• Take a walk through Riverdale Park
• Enjoy the Sandy Springs Lantern Parade every summer
• Get festive every December with Sparkle Sandy Springs
• Tube, kayak, paddle-board, or raft along the river
• Visit the Heritage Sandy Springs Museum and Park Farmers Market every Saturday

What makes Sandy Springs unique

The convenient location of Sandy Springs and its big-city amenities make it the perfect mix of suburban and city living. Its 22 miles of river shoreline and 950 acres of parkland offer residents the natural scenery they won’t get in Atlanta proper and set it apart from other Atlanta suburbs.

Median rent: $1,230/month

6. Dunwoody

Head north of Sandy Springs and you’ll stumble upon the less populated suburb of Dunwoody. Full of trees and young families, this Atlanta suburb is perfect for families seeking the feel of a small town with all the amenities of a big city.

What to do in Dunwoody

• Head to nearby Chattahoochee National Recreation Area for a nature walk 
• Browse Perimeter Mall for name-brand shopping
• Head to Perimeter Place for local boutiques
• Tap into your adventurous side at Treetop Quest Dunwoody

What makes Dunwoody unique

Dunwoody’s shopping is unbeatable—but so are its famous events, such as Georgia’s largest Fourth of July parade and the suburb’s Caffeine & Octane car show.  It draws more than shoppers and sightseers, though, with a reputation as a metro business hub, too.  

Median rent: $1,453/month

7. Roswell 

In this suburb, sidewalk cafes and sweeping trees abound—and big businesses provide plenty of jobs. Roswell, located in Fulton County, is on the larger side of suburbs, but that doesn’t detract from its charm. The historic town is recognized for its ample acreage of parklands, mouth-watering food, and Southern Trilogy home tours. 

What to do in Roswell

• Walk along Canton Street and admire the trees overhead 
• Bike along the river
• Hike the Roswell Mill
• Have a pint at a local brewery

What makes Roswell unique 

This riverfront city offers all the nature activities one could want, in addition to a charming and lively downtown that boasts craft beer and local cuisine. Plus, it’s extremely dog-friendly, which any suburbia dweller will enjoy. 

Median rent: $1,218/month

8. North Druid Hills

Ranked the No. 1 suburb in Atlanta for young professionals, North Druid Hills boasts many reasons to be your new home, including plenty of bars, parks, restaurants, and coffee shops (need we say more?). Despite being outside the Atlanta city center, North Druid Hills has an urban feel that attracts the modern millennial. Most residents rent their homes, and when there are beautiful contemporary apartments available, it’s easy to see why.

What to do in North Druid Hills

• Stroll through the scenic Olmsted Linear Park 
• See thrilling sea life at the Georgia Aquarium
• Tour Callanwolde Arts Center or see a special performance

What makes North Druid Hills unique

North Druid Hills is rich with activities, scenery, and trendy eateries. The suburb gives the name “suburb” an edge while still maintaining the perks of quieter life removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown Atlanta.  

Median rent: $1,371/month

Land in a great Atlanta suburb

With so many incredible options to choose from, you can’t go wrong living in any of these nice suburbs of Atlanta. Landing takes the pressure off of moving to a new city or suburb with our furnished apartments and flexible lease terms. Browse our available apartments in the Atlanta suburbs, or contact us to learn more about what a Landing membership can do for you.